Stable and Reliable Tripods and Tribrachs for Surveying
HD Tripod, Quick Clamp, Aluminum
This tripod accommodates 5/8” x 11” instruments, is designed for all types of jobs, and features a Quick Clamp lock type with a triangle/flat head.
Seco Tri-Max Standard Quick Clamp Tripod
Crain Tri-Max 90550 tripods are certified to meet or exceed ISO Certification standards. The only tripods on the market to do so.
Econo Aluminum Quick Clamp Tripod
These tripods accommodate 5/8” x 11” instruments and are designed for all types of jobs.
Seco Rotating Tribrach Adapter
The rotating friction-top adapter allows the prism to be pointed after installation in the tribrach.
Trimble Tribrach With Optical Plummet
Accessory – Tribrach 3 Pin type with Optical Plummet (GDM/GTR/ATS)
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- Legs: Tripod legs can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, fiberglass, steel, and aluminum. While steel is the most durable of these options, it’s also the most dense, so consider that if you’re planning to haul your tripods a significant distance. Aluminum, on the other hand, offers a great balance of durability and portability. If your priority is accuracy, you’ll want to go with wood or fiberglass since they’re not as susceptible to temperature changes.
- Points: Metal points on the end of tripod legs keep tripods stable and prevent leveling tools from shifting too much during measurement. This is especially important for outdoor projects, but practice caution when using them indoors, as the points will scratch the floor.
- Head: Different types of heads can be attached to the tripod’s legs depending on the application. Flat heads are the most common for laser levels, but dome heads and threaded bases also have their place in survey projects.
Tripod Setup and Care Tips
- During setup, pull the legs apart carefully and space them out so that they’re in the shape of an equilateral triangle.
- Each point on each leg should be pushed into the ground for optimal stability and balance.
- Make sure the tripod’s head is flat before attaching your laser level.
- Never bend the tripod’s legs. Push them into the ground at an angle.
- With adjustable leg tripods, clamp the legs at a height suitable for the user.
- Be careful not to torque or twist any of the joints when adjusting them, as this can cause them to break over time.
- Keep the tripod clean and ensure that all the joints are lubricated by using a silicone-based oil every few months.
- When transporting the tripod, wrap it with a piece of heavy material in case it falls.
- Do not place equipment on top of the tripod.
- Store your tripod in a clean, dry place, either in a corner or on a hook.
- Place a protective cap on the head of your tripod to prevent damage between uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between fiberglass, aluminum, and carbon fiber tripods?
Fiberglass tripods offer excellent stability and vibration dampening but are heavier than the others. Aluminum tripods are lightweight and weather-resistant but transmit more vibration. Carbon fiber tripods combine lightweight properties with superior stability and vibration resistance but come at a premium price. The choice depends on precision requirements, portability needs, and budget.
How do I properly set up and level a tripod for optimal stability?
For proper setup: extend legs to comfortable working height, ensure firm ground contact for each leg, spread legs at equal angles, tighten all clamps securely, position the tripod head approximately level, center the instrument mount over the point, and adjust leg lengths as needed for final leveling. On uneven terrain, place two legs downhill for maximum stability.
What maintenance is required for tripods and tribrachs?
Regular maintenance includes: cleaning leg clamps and moving parts, checking/tightening all screws and hardware, lubricating moving parts with appropriate products, inspecting for damage or wear, cleaning optical plummets in tribrachs, checking and adjusting circular bubble levels, and storing in dry conditions. Professional calibration of tribrachs is recommended annually for precision work.
How do I choose the right tribrach for my specific instrument?
Consider the instrument weight, accuracy requirements, and mounting system. High-precision instruments demand optical plummet tribrachs with forced-centering accuracy of 0.5mm or better. Verify compatibility with your specific instrument thread pattern and mounting system. For robotic applications, choose tribrachs with secure locking mechanisms to prevent movement during operation.
What are the signs that a tripod or tribrach needs replacement?
For tripods, watch for loose joints that cannot be tightened, cracked or splintered legs, bent metal components, stripped threads, or instability when fully deployed. For tribrachs, replacement indicators include excessive play in leveling screws, inability to achieve proper leveling, optical plummet misalignment, damaged mounting threads, or visible wear in locking mechanisms.